What are the risk factors for periodontal disease?
Posted on 8/8/2022 by Amir Hosseini, DDS
Risk factors play a vital role in how one responds to periodontal infection. Identifying the risk factors helps the dentist know how to prevent and disease the gum disease. Here are some of the risk factors for periodontal disease:
Poor oral hygiene
If you don't practice good oral hygiene, plaque will form on your teeth. The bacteria will irritate the gums, causing inflammation of the tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. If left untreated, the disease will damage the gum tissues and lead to tooth loss.
Ensure you brush your teeth daily, at least twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Also, floss daily to prevent plaque build-up.
Use of tobacco or smoking
Smoking reduces the ability of the body to fight infection, making it hard to treat periodontal disease. Smokers are at a high risk of developing gum disease than nonsmokers. Besides, the use of tobacco and its related products increases the risk for periodontal disease and its progression.
Age and genetics
Studies show that older people are more suspectable of periodontal disease than young people. Besides, you can inherit some genes from your family that increase your risk of gum disease. This means that you will still develop periodontal disease despite practicing better oral care habits. If you know that your family members have dental issues, make sure you maintain regular dental check-ups to allow the dentist to monitor your oral health.
Medications
Some medicines and drugs like anti-depressants and oral contraceptives can cause infection in your gums. Other medicines decrease saliva flow and production, causing a dry mouth. In addition, some drugs can lead to hormonal change, altering your immune system. Therefore, ensure you share your medical history with the dentist, as this will allow them to know the medication types you are taking and their side effects on your oral health.
Dental Blog - San Antonio • Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists We post dental blogs to pique your interest and educate our San Antonio community about topics related to dentistry, dental implants, and oral health. Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, 1130 E Sonterra Blvd, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78258 | (210) 614-4700 | aestheticperiodontist.com | 12/17/2024 | Page Phrases: Dental Implants San Antonio TX |
Risk factors play a vital role in how one responds to periodontal infection. Identifying the risk factors helps the dentist know how to prevent and disease the gum disease. Here are some of the risk factors for periodontal disease: